Valentine’s Day can be kinda like New Year’s Eve: full of anticipation, but a let-down in the end. And that might have something to do with the crowded streets and spa package deals that end up feeling like more of a get for them than for you and your partner. Fear not! We’ve come up with the ultimate list of at-home date ideas. Because let’s face it, nothing says “I love you” like a night in with your favourite human, some delicious food and maybe a few strategically placed candles (because ambience is key, people).
Don’t skimp on date night
You may not be the “romantic type” but don’t use that as a reason to send them flowers and call it a day. Studies have shown that regular date nights are actually good for your relationship. Per a Wheatley Institute survey, when couples intentionally spend time alone together, positive consequences ensue. For one, the survey found that over 80% of couples are happier in their marriage, more couples feel less likely to divorce and over 70% of couples feel happy with their communication.
The case for going simple – but satisfying
Like JLo said: your love don’t cost a thing. And, it doesn’t have to be the same-same dinner and a movie, either. In fact, it’s a proven boredom-buster. A 2000 study in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that couples are more satisfied in relationships when they participate in novel and arousing (read: not boring) activities. Your move: keep things interesting!
Our at-home date ideas to spice things up, right this way…
1. Have a picnic
Whether it’s in your bedroom, living room, tiny balcony or expansive garden, a picnic is always a cute idea. Get creative: pick flowers and arrange them around your blanket. Cook up whatever you’ve got in the most creative way, or go wild on your supermarket’s cheese selection. Even more creative: have each of you bring snacks based on a theme, like your first date, or each other’s favourite foods.
Gourmet Hamper
2. Make a scavenger Hunt
Another opportunity to celebrate how well you know each other, make a game of it and hide clues all over the house (naughty or nice!) and have them root around to find them all. The final prize: you, in a bow?
3. Paint
Painting is not only a great way to relieve stress and think laterally (AND minimise screen time); it’s also just super fun. Make it hilarious and try and paint each other’s portraits, or simply paint whatever you next want to hang on your walls. If paint’s not your thing, try clay modelling, candle making, or even just colouring in counts.
READ MORE: 5 Practical Ways To Strengthen Your Relationship
4. Solve the case
If you and your S.O.’s movie night usually ends up being a true crime doccie or murder mystery, try your deducing skills with your very own at-home case. On The Case, Dead Man’s Hand and EXIT all offer hours of detective fun in a box. Pair with wine and pizza and you’re living the dream.
5. Watch a movie outside
Take full advantage of the dreamy weather with an outdoor movie night. Hook up the projector, pull out the blankets and mattress and camp out in your backyard.
6. Solve a puzzle
Relationship-building gets stronger with collaboration, and solving a puzzle together is pretty high on the fun list. Whether it’s a jigsaw or Lego, you can also display your handy work by framing it or placing it on your bookshelf.
7. Make a bucket list
Grab your markers, glitter pens and washi tape: it’s creativity time! Setting goals together and putting them somewhere visible does so much. It brings you closer together and keeps you accountable as you work towards your goals. Plus, who doesn’t love a night of dreaming?
8. Do your own custom tasting
This fun activity covers almost anything you both love: wine and gin, sure – but don’t discount chocolate, tea, beer or anything else. Heck, even cupcakes or pizza counts! Rank your faves and bond over it.
READ MORE: The Sexiest Valentine’s Day Dates, According To Your Zodiac Sign
9. Have private karaoke
Trust us, private karaoke is so much better than public ones. Nobody’s there to ridicule your singing (aside from your S.O.) and you can always pick the song you want. Grab your hairbrush (or buy a mic) and belt out your feelings for each other.
10. Bake something together
Trying something new together fosters new bonds. Try something you’ve both not made before, be it churros, cinnamon rolls or a tiramisu.
11. Have your own games night
Cue the music and prepare for a competitive night at the table. Do the classics, like Scrabble, Poker, Monopoly or Jenga. Or try something new, like a couple’s game, Codenames Duet and Santorini.
12. Make cocktails for each other
Or mocktails, depending on your preference. Try something new: cocktails are expansive, with thousands of recipes. Try making a few for each other, or create your own, based on a romantic inside joke.
READ MORE: 10 Low-Calorie Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer
13. Have a spa day
Have an evening dedicated to bubbles and pampers. Start with a romantic bath or shower and indulge in body butters, face masks, serums and manicures. Add in some relaxing music and essential oils and you’ve got an entire spa in your home.
14. Go stargazing
Nothing beats stargazing together. Map out the stars with an app, or create your own constellations. For best results, turn off the lights to see the stars.
15. Do yoga together
Any kind of movement brings you closer together and while there is something special about yoga (the deep breathing, emphasis on calm and soothing movement), you could do any other movement together, including ballroom dancing, salsa or tango, and callisthenics.
16. Cook together
Maximise your freedom from a restaurant menu and pick an exciting new recipe to create together. You’ll not only save money and have a new recipe in your arsenal but make new memories, too.
17. End on a bang
For the epic finale, why not add some spice and see how much fun you could get up to? Try as many positions as you can, play dress-up or add a new toy to experiment with. The options are limitless.
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